August 2025 | 1435 words | 6-minute read, 9 slides
Surrender to the sensory pleasures of a stay that rejuvenates both body and soul. Unwind at the spa, immerse yourself in the peaceful ambience of the pool, or explore the surrounding natural wonders.
Perfectly positioned as a starting point to the scenic hill station of Mussoorie, the sacred sites of Rishikesh and Haridwar, the stunning river cave formation known as Robber’s Cave near Sahastradhara, or the sprawling Rajaji National Park, Taj Mussoorie Foothills is an ideal base for discovering the region's many attractions. From Dehradun’s famous schools and academies to natural parks and forests, hill stations and pilgrimage sites, this new hotel offers a gateway to Uttarakhand’s tremendous possibilities as a destination for leisure and business.
With every detail thoughtfully designed and executed, Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun, offers an extraordinary experience where luxury and serenity converge. Here, timeless memories are made, and every moment is so curated that it promises to stay with you long after your stay. Nestled in the gently undulating foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun invites you to immerse yourself in Uttarakhand’s breathtaking beauty and tranquility. This luxurious haven offers a blend of modern elegance with pristine natural surroundings in its 115 meticulously designed rooms, including 16 lavish suites, each crafted with unparalleled attention to detail to ensure utmost comfort and indulgence. The state flower of Uttarakhand, the Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata), appears as a leitmotif throughout the hotel being a symbol of spiritual devotion, purity and enlightenment.
Embark on a gastronomic journey with exquisite dining options where local flavours meet international culinary masterpieces. Whether hosting a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, the opulent banquet hall and expansive lawns provide the perfect setting for unforgettable occasions. Vista, the all-day diner, offers a vast range of global and local options being rustled up in an open kitchen accompanied with stunning views of the mountain range that appears to be within touching distance! Mezze platters, salads, pizza, pasta, risotto, bruscettas, burgers, rolls, cheese toasties, sharing plates of crispy corn, palak aur chilgoze ke shami kabab, kasoori paneer tikka, Hunan style fish, as well as comfort food such as dal-chaval – there is something here in the extensive menu at Vista for every taste.
Regional specialities include Rajma Bhaat and Lesu Roti (made from finger millet) paired with Jakhiya Alu. The Pahadi Thali offers a little bit of every local delicacy on a gleaming metal thali: home-style chicken gravy, a robust mutton dish where the meat is falling off the bone, a kadhi that is vastly different from the gramflour-thickened yoghurt that is to be found in different parts of the country, gehat dal, a raita with local greens, madua ki roti, an incredible stir fry of nettles, and finally a milky sweet kheer made with Jhangora (barnyard millet). There is also a Wellness menu using whole wheat, multigrains, sesame and olive oils, and healthy alternatives to popular dishes.
The bar at House of Nomad, with its warm interiors and classy finish dedicated to digital-age nomads, offers the finest selection of wines, spirits, beers, cocktails and mocktails. The bright young mixologist brings a happy mix of training and an infectious energy to his job behind the bar counter encouraging his guests to be curious about not just what is on offer in the extensive drinks menu but also about the ingredients he uses and the methods he follows to make some of his signature drinks such as Hidden Paradise, Elixir No 4, Gin Stories and Malsi named after the forest nearby and the village. Of the many evocatively named mocktails there is Boarding Pass comprising cranberry juice, sonic (soda and tonic), peach, citrus, mint and a slice of dehydrated orange; and Thousand Thoughts with olive brine, pinch of salt, citrus, ginger ale and some cream cheese stuffed olives.
The hotel’s gastronomic piece de resistance is the Tropics Grill, a perfect setting for a long leisurely dinner with balmy breezes and the glimmering lights of Mussoorie strung out like diamond necklaces looped around the neck of the Himalayas. Chimichurri New Zealand lamb chops, herb marinated chicken, sole in lemon butter sauce, jumbo prawns, lobster grilled trout, Korean style chicken wings, and Amritsari seekh offer plenty of non-veg options and for the vegetarians there is baked potato in sour cream, asparagus, pineapple, brie and mushroom cigars.
Emperor Lounge, the tea lounge in the hotel’s lobby, is the perfect spot for business meetings or a quick bite on the go, for artisanal teas, handcrafted confections, and light gourmet fare. The Lobby is also the place to gather in come sun down for it is here that a delightful lamp lighting ceremony takes place. Local women, dressed in all their traditional regalia, walk softly into the large gilded space with its soaring ceiling and magnificent interior. They come bearing trays with diyas (small clay lamps); with these they light the large brass lamp stand in a ritual that marks a link with the past when dusk was traditionally ushered in by the lady of the house with the lighting of the lamp.
Set against the majestic Himalayas, Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun also offers an exquisite setting for grand celebrations and intimate gatherings. From romantic weddings to exclusive soirées and corporate retreats, bespoke venues blend timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Choose from Monal, Antelope, The Pines for size and scale. For wellness and massage therapies there is the state-of-the-art salon and the J Wellness spa where Mumtaz, smiling and untiringly proficient, lulls you to a state of utter bliss with her two-hour therapy session called Vishram.
While Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie, all within easy driving distance, are good options for those who wish to explore further afield, there is plenty in and around the hotel to keep the guests occupied. An early morning guided walk in the Malsi forest, a bare 30-minute drive from the hotel, takes you deep into a green sanctuary complete with a hidden temple steeped in history. Led by an expert naturalist, this immersive journey reveals the rich flora and fauna of the region, making for an enchanting wilderness escape. The walk culminates with a delightful picnic set up amidst a little clearing in the forest: folding chairs and tables, a gaily patterned sun umbrella, hot tea/coffee, croissants, fruits, juices packed by the attentive hotel staff.
Then there is the iconic Forest Reserve Institute with its stunning Greco-Roman architecture styled by C.G. Blomfield with red brickwork arches, corridors, high-ceilinged rooms and rolling lawns. Established as the Imperial Forest Research Institute in 1906, it was first situated at Chandbagh (the present location of the famous Doon School) on the Mall Road. A much larger campus at the present location was acquired in 1923 and the main building was inaugurated in 1929 by then Viceroy Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon. It is now a National Heritage site with museums containing rare botanical samples from India’s forested heartland. As forest management in India relates largely to Government-owned forest land and its users, the work here caters to the Forest Department and the communities who benefit from forest resources.
Wildlife lovers would do well to take a safari to the nearby Rajaji National Park where elephants, leopards, and a myriad bird species can be easily spotted. Or else, discover the birdwatcher’s paradise at Asan Barrage, where migratory and local species thrive in a tranquil aquatic habitat. With each sighting, immerse yourself in nature’s harmony and the melodies of the wild. Traverse the scenic Shivalik (literally meaning Shiva’s Tresses) foothills as you witness the untamed beauty of this part of the Outer Himalayas. Ever mindful of younger guests, the Taj Mussoorie Foothills has a range of exciting options to keep the young ones occupied: treasure hunts, archery, and camping. All in all, the Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun has something for everybody: parents visiting their wards in one of the famous schools and academies in the neighbourhood, businesspersons looking to invest in the booming Uttarakhand economy, pilgrims en route to the sacred sites of Haridwar and Rishikesh and further upstream the holy Ganga, tourists seeking a cool haven from the blistering heat of the plains in the balmy foothills, wildlife enthusiasts, or those who wish to make day trips to Mussoorie and Landour when the mountains are choked with tourists during the peak season.
Previously published in Taj Magazine
Inside Taj Mussoorie Foothills
